Welcome to our comprehensive Apple Vision Pro Review. Apple’s latest innovation in augmented reality technology, the Vision Pro, promises to redefine how we interact with digital content. From its sleek design to its cutting-edge features, this device is packed with capabilities that aim to elevate both personal and professional experiences. In this review, we’ll explore the Vision Pro’s performance, usability, and how it stands out in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a professional looking for the next big thing, this review will help you determine if the Apple Vision Pro is the right fit for you.
Table Of Content:
Apple Vision Pro Review
Extraordinary Yet Restrictive Hardware
Specifications
How i testes apple vision pro?
what are vision pro’s best features?
conclusion
references
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Quick Overview:
Pros:
Spatial video and photos offer an essential viewing experience
Interactive digital experiences create exciting new opportunities
Video quality rivals the finest high-definition televisions
Immersive environments deliver a holodeck-like sensation.
Cons:
Can become uncomfortable during prolonged use
Eye tracking requires frequent recalibration
Immersive applications are still in their early stages and limited
Not suitable for exercise or other active activities
Our Verdict:
Using the Apple Vision Prosometimes feels like engaging with an early prototype of a future tech standard. While it offers glimpses of what’s to come, it also presents challenges, limitations, and frustrations. Beyond watching 2D or 3D videos, it often falls short compared to the speed and efficiency of existing Apple devices. Early adopters might find value in waiting for significant software updates and a more developed app ecosystem, but most users might be better off holding out for the next iteration or even the one after.
Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer, a VR headset that combines pass-through video, hand tracking, and eye tracking, is not simply another VR device. It’s more than just an upscale Meta Quest 3 with superior displays.
While it does share some similarities with other VR headsets, the Vision Pro offers a glimpse into a potential future of immersive technology. After spending a week with the Vision Pro, one thought persists: “This has the potential to be incredible… someday.”
However, that potential often feels like it’s just out of reach. Using the Vision Pro for anything beyond media consumption presents a range of challenges and inefficiencies. Even as a media device, it has its share of limitations and trade-offs.
Imagine if it were lighter. If it were more affordable. If it supported USB-C connections. If there were more apps available. If the existing apps were better.
The Vision Pro delivers impressive “wow” moments, but once those initial thrills wear off, you’re left questioning its capabilities and wondering why it doesn’t do certain things. Ultimately, you might find yourself turning to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone to get things done.
Some of these issues could be resolved with software updates, while others are inherent to the hardware. Regardless, it’s difficult to recommend the Vision Pro at its current price point, except for the most devoted Apple enthusiasts.
Extraordinary Yet Restrictive Hardware
You’ve likely seen videos and screenshots online showcasing the Apple Vision Pro’s point-of-view experience, which might seem similar to using a Meta Quest 3 or another consumer headset.
But these visuals don’t fully capture the experience. The Vision Pro’s micro-OLED displays offer exceptional fidelity, color depth, and dynamic range. You won’t notice pixels or the “screen door effect” common with other headsets. While some lens glare can occur under certain lighting conditions, it’s less noticeable compared to most other devices.
Comparing rendered content on a Meta Quest 3 to the Vision Pro is like comparing an old 1080p TV to a modern 4K HDR OLED. Apple employs various technologies behind the scenes, such as foveated rendering, which ensures that only the area you’re focusing on is displayed in full resolution, with peripheral areas rendered in lower detail—mirroring how human vision works.
Specifications:
Display
3660×3200 Micro-OLED, 90/96/100 Hz refresh rates
RAM/Storage
16GB RAM with 256MB, 512MB, or 1TB storage
Processors
M2 with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU; R1 with 12ms latency
Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking; Six‑mic array with directional beamforming
Biometrics
Optic ID (iris‑based biometric authentication) stored on local Secure Enclave
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3
Weight
600-650g (headset itself); 353g for the battery pack
Battery life
2 to 2.5 hours
Price
$3,500 (256GB), $3,700 (512GB), $3,900 (1TB) ; plus $499 for Apple Care Plus
How I tested Apple Vision Pro?
For over two weeks, I extensively tested the Apple Vision Pro, comparing it daily with the Meta Quest 3, the top consumer headset of 2023 as named by ZDNET. I explored the Vision Pro’s capabilities by viewing spatial videos I filmed at CES 2024 and the MIT Reality Hack. I also experimented with a variety of apps, focusing on indie creations passionate about spatial computing, and streamed an array of content from regular 4K and HDR to 3D films and Apple Immersive Video clips, primarily through Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus.
During this period, I used the Vision Pro to work from my MacBook Pro via its Mac Virtual Display feature, as well as directly through apps like Slack, Messages, and Safari for web-based tasks. To gain additional insights, I brought the Vision Pro into the Appel test lab, allowing my colleagues to experience it and provide their honest feedback.
To thoroughly assess the Vision Pro’s integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, I connected it to both AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max. I tested continuity by copying and pasting between the iPhone and the Vision Pro and toggled between watching a movie on the Vision Pro and streaming content through an Apple TV box connected to a 65-inch OLED TV.
What are Vision Pro’s best features?
apple vision pro
Spatial Videos and Photos: A Revolutionary Leap, Since my initial demo of the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, I’ve been convinced that spatial videos and photos represent a monumental advance in media, comparable to the transition from black-and-white to color. Apple’s Vision Pro, especially when paired with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max for capturing spatial content, is pushing this technology into everyday use. Unlike traditional 3D stereoscopic media, Apple’s approach makes viewing spatial videos and photos an immersive experience, as if you’re stepping directly into a moment. I captured spatial content at CES 2024 and MIT Reality Hack, which you can download and view. You can also experience these spatial videos on the Meta Quest 3, though currently, Apple’s spatial video is limited to 1080p, which means the quality is almost, but not quite, on par with Vision Pro.
The Ultimate Personal Media Player ,One of my biggest surprises with the Vision Pro was how frequently I used it as a media player. The ability to project a screen equivalent to 100 to 150 inches with stunning picture quality and immersive surround sound in any environment is incredibly compelling. Watching movies in true 3D on the Vision Pro has been a revelation. Previously, I wasn’t a fan of 3D media, but Vision Pro’s depth mapping has brought a new level of detail and enjoyment to films like Martin Scorsese’s *Hugo* and James Cameron’s *Avatar*. This immersive experience is so captivating that it often makes me prefer it over socializing with family and friends, though I have to remind myself to balance my screen time.
Pioneering Digital Experiences, We’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible with the Vision Pro. Similar to other XR (extended reality) devices like Meta Quest and HTC Vive, it opens up new dimensions for interactive digital experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds. Apps like JigSpace, LEGO Builder’s Journey, and Puzzling Places offer glimpses into these possibilities. I was particularly impressed by an XR concept from MIT Reality Hack’s Noir team. Their app brings public art to life with animations and interactive elements, and Vision Pro’s high-resolution cameras and displays could make such concepts truly remarkable. Looking ahead, I can envision future versions of Vision Pro being more compact and capable of delivering powerful XR experiences that enhance how we interact with digital content.
Immersive Environments: A Taste of the Future, One of Vision Pro’s most underrated features is its “Environments” option. Although only six environments were available at launch, they are central to the Vision Pro experience. Choosing an environment, adjusting the digital crown for full immersion, and enjoying the view and nature sounds is a personal favorite. The Haleakalā environment, for example, allows you to sit atop a dormant volcano and watch the sunrise, providing a breathtaking experience through photogrammetry. This level of detail surpasses even what I’ve seen in apps like Supernatural on Quest. It would be fantastic if Apple expanded the range of environments and allowed developers to create and offer their own. I’d be eager to purchase high-quality environments of my favorite destinations or places I’ve yet to visit. The Vision Pro’s environments are so relaxing that I’ve found them ideal for meditation and even napping, offering a more soothing experience than any other app, including Apple’s own Mindfulness app.
Final Thoughts 😀
The Apple Vision Prostands as a remarkable feat of engineering and represents a significant advance towards the next generation of immersive digital experiences. It is, without a doubt, Apple’s most ambitious product to date. However, the Vision Pro still has its share of shortcomings, which present both immediate reservations and future potential.
Currently, the Vision Pro’s limitations are apparent. It doesn’t yet offer enough advantages over existing Apple devices to justify its $3,500 price tag or the inconvenience of frequently wearing a relatively bulky headset. Until the Vision Pro becomes lighter, more versatile, and more affordable, it’s a hard sell for many potential buyers. As such, I’m cautious about recommending it to a broad audience right now.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to schedule a demo and keep an eye on the Vision Pro’s evolution. The product embodies many aspects of the sci-fi future we’ve been anticipating, and there’s no doubt that future iterations will become more compact, functional, and cost-effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Vision Pro is a remarkable leap forward in augmented reality technology, showcasing Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience. Its blend of powerful hardware, intuitive design, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem makes it a standout device in the AR market. While the Vision Pro comes with a premium price tag, the advanced features it offers—such as immersive visuals, precise tracking, and enhanced productivity tools—justify the investment for those seeking a top-tier AR experience. Whether you’re a creative professional, a tech enthusiast, or someone looking to explore the future of digital interaction, the Apple Vision Pro is a device that sets a new standard in the world of augmented reality.
